Abstract:

A crude polysaccharide fraction from Caulerpa racemosa (CRP) was obtained through hot water extraction
coupled with enzymatic proteolysis, deproteinization by Sevag method and dialysis. Ultraviolet spectroscopy showed CRP
to contain a little amount of protein. Infrared spectroscopy revealed that CRP had characteristic polysaccharide absorption
peaks and was an acidic polysaccharide containing sulfate groups. The polysaccharide exhibited an antitumor activity against
HeLa, K562 and CNE-2z cells, with maximum inhibitory rates of 61.7%, 85.9% and 90.3%, respectively, as determined
by MTT assay. This antitumor effect was positively dependent on both exposure time in the range of 24 to 72 h and
concentration in the range of 0.062 5 to 4 mg/mL.

Key words: Caulerpa racemosa, polysaccharide, antitumor activity in vitro